Ireland Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals require an Irish visa to visit Ireland. Ireland is not a Schengen Area member, so a separate Irish visa is required even if you hold a valid Schengen visa. Applications are submitted online via the Irish Visa Online portal. The fee is EUR 60 for a single-entry visit. Ireland is a popular destination for English-language education and tourism.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Ireland.
Apply online at inis.gov.ie/visa-application. Complete the Irish Short Stay Visa application. Upload required documents: passport, passport photo, bank statements, employment documentation, travel itinerary. Pay EUR 60 by credit card. Biometrics appointment may be required at the nearest Irish Visa Application Center. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Irish Visa Application Form
Completed form submitted online via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) portal.
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay with at least one blank page.
Passport Photos
Two recent passport photos meeting Irish Immigration specifications.
Bank Statements (6 months)
Showing sufficient funds for your stay and ties to Saudi Arabia.
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of your stay in Ireland.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in Ireland.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland is the only EU country that is not part of the Schengen Area (along with Cyprus). Saudi nationals must therefore apply for an Irish visa separately, regardless of whether they hold a Schengen visa. The application is submitted online via the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) visa portal.
Ireland is a popular destination for Saudi students attending English-language schools in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Tourism draws include the Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive, Dublin's pub culture, and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Dublin (DUB) connects via London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam. Aer Lingus and Ryanair serve this route from European hubs. Total travel approximately 9 to 11 hours.
Money & Banking
Ireland uses the Euro (EUR). Ireland is relatively expensive among European destinations. Dublin hotels run EUR 150 to EUR 350 per night. Cards accepted everywhere. Pubs serve food during lunch hours at reasonable prices.
Practical Tips
Note on the UK and Ireland: If you hold a valid UK visa, there is an arrangement called the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) that may allow entry to Ireland on a UK visa. However, Saudi nationals are not currently listed among eligible BIVS nationalities. Check the current INIS website for any updates.
Dublin highlights: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Howth coastal village. Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are 3 hours by bus or train from Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a separate visa for Ireland?
Yes. Ireland is not a member of the Schengen Area. Saudi nationals require a separate Irish Short Stay Visa, even if holding a valid Schengen visa. Apply online at inis.gov.ie. Fee EUR 60. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Can Saudi nationals enter Ireland with a UK visa?
Saudi nationals are not currently included in the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), which would allow entry to Ireland on a UK visa. Saudi nationals must apply for a separate Irish visa regardless of UK visa status.
How long does the Irish visa take to process for Saudi applicants?
Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks. During peak seasons (summer and Christmas), processing can be slower. Apply at least 8 to 10 weeks before intended travel.
What are the top natural attractions in Ireland for Saudi tourists?
Cliffs of Moher (700-foot Atlantic sea cliffs in County Clare), the Burren (lunar limestone landscape), the Ring of Kerry scenic drive (County Kerry), Connemara National Park in the west, and Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland, UNESCO basalt column formation). All are reachable by bus tour from Dublin or self-drive rental car.
Is driving in Ireland straightforward for Saudi tourists?
Ireland drives on the left side of the road, which may be unfamiliar to Saudi drivers. Road signs are in English and Irish. Rural roads are often narrow. International driving licenses are recommended in addition to your Saudi license. Car rental requires a credit card. Minimum age for most rentals is 21 years.
Are there halal restaurants in Dublin?
Yes. Dublin has a growing Muslim community (largely from North Africa and South Asia). Halal restaurants are found in the Moore Street and O'Connell Street areas, and in Dublin 7 and 8. The Mosque on the South Circular Road is the main mosque in Dublin.